Things You'll Need:
- Phone
- Computer with internet access
- Printer
- Pen
- Paper
- Stamp
- Envelope
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Step 1
Look up the phone number for the dental schools in your area using the internet. There are even online directories that list dental schools (see Resources).
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Step 2
Call a dental school clinic directly or dial the school's main number and ask to be connected to the school's dental clinic.
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Step 3
Inquire about pricing for treatment of your dental problem. Write down the name of the school dental clinic and the price estimate. Repeat this process for each clinic in your area.
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Step 4
Determine which clinic offers the procedure for the lowest price and call to schedule an appointment. Appointments are typically limited to certain hours of the day, as the procedures are performed by students under the close supervision of professors.
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Step 1
Go online and learn about your state's health care program. (See Resources for links to state websites.) You'll want to determine if the program includes dental care.
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Step 2
Read about the requirements for enrollment in the state's health care program and determine if you qualify for benefits. Benefits are typically extended to individuals who are unemployed, disabled, elderly or pregnant.
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Step 3
Apply for the state-run health program if you qualify. You may be able to submit an application online or you can print an application, which is then submitted in the mail.
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Step 4
Review the benefits literature once you're enrolled into the state-run health program--you will receive the literature in the mail when you're approved--and read over the list of participating dentists. Pick a dentist in your area who will treat patients with state health coverage.
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Step 5
Schedule an appointment with the dentist for an exam and a discussion of your treatment options. State health coverage will not cover all procedures, so your options may be limited, but the dental care will be free or at dramatically reduced cost depending upon the nature of the available coverage.
